Football: Entire Community Catching Onto Briar Woods Dream Season

By Lisa Karl
Special to VivaLoudoun

Ashburn (Nov. 12, 2010) - When you greet Briar Woods High School athletic directer Jerry Carter, the answer is always the same: “Best day of my life so far!”

These days, that feeling seems to be among everyone at the school – and the community beyond. The Briar Woods football team is having a dream season (highlighted by Friday's 53-7 playoff win over Orange County), and it seems the entire community has caught on.

“The community support is much better this year,” says senior Scott Rolin, starting wide receiver and free safety.

Winning is infectious.


Not only is the football team doing well, capturing the Dulles District title for the first time ever and playing host in the playoffs for the first time in school history, but the school’s teams in general have done well. The cheer squad is repeat Region II champs and headed to the VHSL AA States on Saturday where they will defend their state title, the volleyball team went to regionals for the first time ever, and golf team members went to regionals and states.

Friday was the first round of the playoffs for the Falcons. Going to the school, you see almost everyone, teachers and staff included, wearing their Falcons spirit wear.

During Flex in Coach Pierce’s room, a number of the sophomores have gathered around the computer to watch game film. They’re excited about the game, calling out plays and talking about the night’s game.

The atmosphere is definitely different this year. Coach Pierce says, “All the teams this year have been successful. The SCA president (Brandon Bester) is really good – he gets the kids all spirited up.”

Pierce went on to say he was going to have the team captains bring out the district trophy at the pep rally and present it to the school. “Because,” he says “It’s for everybody.”

Carter, formerly an AD at Liberty High School for many years, takes it all in stride.

“I’ve always thought that for a young school we have good school spirit.” Then he grins. “When you’re winning, it just builds.”

When you speak to the students, the enthusiasm almost knocks you down.

“The students are more enthusiastic this year,” says varsity cheerleader Sarah Mason, noting the student section has been full this year. “There isn’t one person who isn’t crazy and not wearing Briar Woods spirit wear.”

Tucker Richardson plays saxophone in the band. “Our school is pumped,” he says. “Look, I even have Briar Woods on my shoes.” He shows off his navy and orange shoes that have ‘Briar Woods’ stitched across the back.

The pep rally was beginning and music poured out of the gym.

“The energy level is high,” says varsity cheerleader Holly Johnson. “We have fun and goof around – it’s team building. We get excited about the student section.”

In the stands, the parents, of course, are excited and showing off their spirit wear. But there are also many people in the stands whose kids don’t even go to the school – yet.

John Alexander has a 4-year-old son and two daughters in elementary school. His reasons for coming to the games? “My family always went to the local high school games,” he says. “Plus, Coach Pierce was a year ahead of me at Shepherd University, so I want to see him do well. In a year or two, it’s amazing to see the quality of football here. Kudos to him.”

Alexander also says he’s noticed more people in the stands. He feels that once the word goes about the success of the team, the community shows up.

The shirts, beads, cowbells, the people all contribute to the general excitement. At Briar Woods, Falcon Fever is high and ready for the next playoff game.